Proverbs 6:12
Proverbs 6:12 in Multiple Translations
A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth,
¶ A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
A worthless person, a man of iniquity, Is he that walketh with a perverse mouth;
A good-for-nothing man is an evil-doer; he goes on his way causing trouble with false words;
Rebellious and wicked people go around telling lies,
The vnthriftie man and the wicked man walketh with a froward mouth.
A man of worthlessness, a man of iniquity, Walking [with] perverseness of mouth,
A worthless person, a man of iniquity, is he who walks with a perverse mouth,
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
A man that is an apostate, an unprofitable man, walketh with a perverse mouth,
I will describe for you what worthless and evil people are like. They constantly lie;
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 6:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 6:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָדָ֣ם
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
אִ֣ישׁ
אָ֑וֶן
ה֝וֹלֵ֗ךְ
עִקְּשׁ֥וּת
פֶּֽה
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
bᵉlîyaʻal
H1100
Belial
N-ms
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
אָ֑וֶן
ʼâven
H205
evil
N-ms
ה֝וֹלֵ֗ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
עִקְּשׁ֥וּת
ʻiqqᵉshûwth
H6143
crookedness
N-fs
פֶּֽה
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 6:12
אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
בְּ֭לִיַּעַל
bᵉlîyaʻal
H1100
"Belial"
N-ms
Belial refers to something or someone worthless or wicked, often translated as evil or ungodly. It describes people or actions that are good for nothing and lead to destruction.
Definition: : worthless 1) worthlessness 1a) worthless, good for nothing, unprofitable, base fellow 1b) wicked 1c) ruin, destruction (construct) Also means: be.liy.ya.al (בְּלִיַּ֫עַל ": destruction" H1100H)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: Belial, evil, naughty, ungodly (men), wicked. See also: Deuteronomy 13:14; 2 Samuel 23:6; Psalms 18:5.
אִ֣ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
אָ֑וֶן
ʼâven
H205
"evil"
N-ms
This word refers to evil, wickedness, or trouble, often describing idolatry or iniquity, and is used in various KJV translations to convey a sense of wrongdoing.
Definition: 1) trouble, wickedness, sorrow 1a) trouble, sorrow 1b) idolatry 1c) trouble of iniquity, wickedness Also means: a.ven (אָ֫וֶן ": trouble" H0205H)
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: affliction, evil, false, idol, iniquity, mischief, mourners(-ing), naught, sorrow, unjust, unrighteous, vain, vanity, wicked(-ness). Compare H369 (אַיִן). See also: Numbers 23:21; Psalms 94:23; Psalms 5:6.
ה֝וֹלֵ֗ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
עִקְּשׁ֥וּת
ʻiqqᵉshûwth
H6143
"crookedness"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for crookedness or perversity, referring to a distortion or twisting of what is right. It is used to describe someone who is being dishonest or unfair. The KJV translates it as froward or perverseness.
Definition: distortion, crookedness
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] froward. See also: Proverbs 4:24; Proverbs 6:12.
פֶּֽה
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 6:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 6:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:12
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
- Sermons on Proverbs 6:12
Context — Warnings against Foolishness
10A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest,
11and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit.
12A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth,
13winking his eyes, speaking with his feet, and pointing with his fingers. 14With deceit in his heart he devises evil; he continually sows discord.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 12:34 | You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. |
| 2 | 1 Timothy 5:13 | At the same time they will also learn to be idle, going from house to house and being not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, discussing things they should not mention. |
| 3 | Proverbs 16:27 | A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. |
| 4 | Proverbs 4:24 | Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech. |
| 5 | Psalms 59:7 | See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” |
| 6 | Psalms 52:2–4 | Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue. |
| 7 | Proverbs 8:13 | To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. |
| 8 | Acts 20:30 | Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them. |
| 9 | Proverbs 17:4 | A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar gives ear to a destructive tongue. |
| 10 | Titus 1:10–11 | For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not. |
Proverbs 6:12 Summary
[This verse, Proverbs 6:12, describes a person who is morally corrupt and speaks in a way that is harmful and deceitful. It's saying that the way we talk and the things we say can reveal what's really in our hearts, similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 12:34. As believers, we should strive to speak words that are kind, truthful, and uplifting, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32. By seeking to honor God with our words and actions, we can avoid being like the worthless person described in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by a 'worthless person' in Proverbs 6:12?
A worthless person, as described in Proverbs 6:12, refers to someone who is morally corrupt and lacks spiritual value, as seen in their actions and words, similar to what is described in Psalms 14:1 and Romans 3:10-18.
How does a perverse mouth reveal a person's character?
According to Proverbs 6:12, a person with a perverse mouth reveals their wicked heart, as also stated in Matthew 12:34, where Jesus says that the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.
Is it possible for a believer to exhibit the characteristics of a worthless person?
Yes, it is possible for a believer to exhibit these characteristics, as seen in Galatians 5:19-21, where the fleshly works are listed, but through repentance and seeking God's help, one can overcome them, as encouraged in 1 John 1:9 and Philippians 2:12-13.
What is the significance of describing someone as walking with a perverse mouth?
The phrase 'walks with a perverse mouth' in Proverbs 6:12 signifies that the person's speech and behavior are consistently corrupt and rebellious, similar to what is described in Proverbs 10:32, where the mouth of the righteous brings wisdom, but the perverse mouth, trouble.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I might be exhibiting a perverse mouth in my daily conversations, and how can I change this?
- How can I discern if someone is a 'worthless person' as described in Proverbs 6:12, and how should I respond to them?
- In what ways can I cultivate a heart and mouth that honor God, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29-32 and Colossians 4:6?
- What are some practical steps I can take to ensure my words and actions reflect a heart that is surrendered to God, as described in Proverbs 4:23 and Luke 6:45?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 6:12
A naughty person, a wicked man,.... Or, "a man of Belial, a man of iniquity" (w).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 6:12
A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth. A naughty person (literally, a man of Belial - i:e., worthlessness), a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
He showeth the haughtiness of his heart by the wickedness of his talk and discourses, to which he doth accustom himself, as walking implies.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
Proverbs 6:12 A naughty person, a wicked man, walketh with a froward mouth.Ver. 12. A naughty person.] Lo, every idle man is a naughty man; is, or ere long will be; for by doing nothing, men learn to do evil, said the heathen. And "thou wicked and slothful servant," saith our Saviour. He puts no difference between nequam et nequaquam, an idle and an evil person. The devil also will not long suffer such a one to be idle, but will soon set him to work. Idleness is the hour of temptation. A wicked man.] Or, An unprofitable man, vir nihili; good for nothing, but to eat, and drink, and sleep, and sport, and sit, and talk, and laugh, and be merry. These are nothing; nay, they are excrements in human society; that live in the world to no purpose, yea, to bad purpose. Oh, it is good, saith one to do something whereby the world may be the better; and not to come hither merely as rats and mice, only to devour victuals, and to run squeaking up and down. Walketh with a froward mouth.] Graditur ore perverso.
Nothing more usual with idlebies than to go tattling up and down, prying, and spying, and carrying tales and rumours. It is nothing that they can do; they will say the more therefore; αργοι, περιεργοι. Nihil agendo male agere discunt. Mr Wheatly.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
(k). Eleventh Discourse:—Against Deceit and Malice (Proverbs 6:12-19). (12) A naughty person.—According to its original meaning, a “worthless” person, Heb. a man of Belial,Froward mouth.—Comp. Proverbs 4:24.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
Verse 12. A naughty person] אדם בליעל adam beliyal, "Adam good for nothing." When he lost his innocence. A man apostata; Old MS. Bible. A wicked man] איש און ish aven. He soon became a general transgressor after having departed from his God. All his posterity, unless restored by Divine grace, are men of Belial, and sinners by trade; and most of them, in one form or other, answer the character here given. They yield their members instruments of unrighteousness unto sin.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 6:12
Thirteenth Address. Chap. 6. Proverbs 6:12-19. The Worthless PersonThis short section might seem at first sight to break itself into two (Proverbs 6:12-19). But the note of character, “he soweth discord,” repeated in Proverbs 6:19 from Proverbs 6:14, helps to identify the worthless person as being the subject throughout, and a closer examination exhibits the connection. Would you recognise the worthless man? Here is his description, Proverbs 6:12-14. Would you understand his end? Here is his destiny, Proverbs 6:15. Would you know what God, the Judge of all, sees in him to hate and punish?
Here are the six, yea seven things that undo him, Proverbs 6:16-19. The connection is well worked out by Mr Horton, The Book of Proverbs, pp. 84–91.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 6:12
A naughty person - literally, “a man of Belial,” i. e., a worthless man (see the Deuteronomy 13:13 note). This is the portrait of the man who is not to be trusted, whose look and gestures warn against him all who can observe.
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 6:12
PICTURE OF THE WICKED MAN AND HIS DESTINY, Proverbs 6:12-15. 12. A naughty person — Literally, a man of Belial, or, a man of worthlessness. Compare Deuteronomy 13:13 : Judges 19:22.
Sermons on Proverbs 6:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Messenger of Peace by Derek Prince | Derek Prince warns against individuals who use deceitful tactics to manipulate and persuade others for their own selfish gain, emphasizing the importance of discerning the true mot |
|
Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo |
|
(2006 Conference) 3.controlling Our Tongue by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling our speech and the balance needed in various areas of our lives. It highlights the dangers of being imbalanced, focusing on sma |
|
How to Be Free From Bitterness by Jim Wilson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of bitterness and its negative impact on our lives. He refers to Ephesians 4:31, which instructs believers to get rid of all bittern |
|
Followers of the Lamb by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the theme of following the Lord. He uses the story of Jesus and his disciples getting on a boat and encountering a storm as an example. The |
|
No Half Measures by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the response of the people to the preaching of John the Baptist and Jesus. He highlights that some individuals made a negative decision, merel |
|
Self-Control by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that our emotions are given to us by God as motivational forces in our lives. Anger, in particular, is described as a hot emotion full of ene |